Ryan Tubridy reveals ‘touching' letter late Saoirse Ruane sent him after he left RTÉ
The 12-year-old died from cancer last year
Ryan Tubridy has revealed the touching letter that the late Saoirse Ruane sent him after he left RTÉ.
Saoirse died from cancer last year at 12 years old.
She appeared on the Toy Show in 2020 and inspired the creation of the annual Toy Show Appeal, which has raised millions of euros for charity in the years since.
Speaking to her mother Roseanna on the latest episode of his podcast The Bookshelf, the presenter shared the words Saoirse wrote to him before her death in 2024.
'To Ryan, you're going to be really missed but we will keep up our friendship and our door will always be open to you,' the letter reads.
Ryan Tubridy with Saoirse Ruane
News in 90 Seconds - May 13th
'Thank you for everything Toy Show related, and the unconditional love you have always shown me and my family.
'We would love you to pop in for some Black Forest Gateau on route home from your holidays in the West of Ireland.
'Lots of Love and Hugs, Saoirse Ruane.'
Tubridy left the national broadcaster in July 2023 when he stepped down from his role presenting The Late Late Show.
His departure came in the wake of a payments scandal, which saw RTÉ face huge public scrutiny after it was revealed that they had underdeclared payments to him.
The presenter, his agent Noel Kelly and several senior RTÉ executives and board members were called before an Oireachtas committee.
Following his departure from the broadcaster, Tubridy joined Virgin Radio UK, where he hosts The Ryan Tubridy Show from London on weekdays and Sundays.
The show is also syndicated, broadcasting on Dublin's Q102 at the same time.
He also hosts his podcast, The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy.
He recently threw his support behind fellow veteran broadcaster Joe Duffy who revealed he is set to leave RTÉ at the end of June.
Working at the broadcaster for 37 years, Duffy presented the flagship lunchtime show 'Liveline' for 27.
Tubridy reacted to the news on Instagram, sharing a black and white photo of them posing together with the caption: "I love to talk to Joe.'
'Good man! One of our greatest broadcasters and thoughtful with it,' he continued.
'There's a whole other world waiting for Joe Duffy, here's to the next chapter.'
Duffy announced the news on his show last week.
Joe Duffy
"After 37 wonderful years here in RTÉ, and 27 years presenting Liveline, it has been an incredible honour and privilege to be part of a programme that relied entirely on trust: the trust of our listeners,' he said.
"People felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, and share their lives, problems, stories sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles, and their victories.
"I never took that for granted, not for a single minute. RTÉ has been a great place to work. Public service has always been at its heart,' he continued.
"And now, after many happy years, I've decided the time has come to move on. I would like to thank you the listener for tuning in each and every day, it has been an honour to sit in this seat and hear your stories.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
‘It's all go' says Brian Dowling as he becomes surprise runner to replace RTE star on legendary show after radio exit
BRIAN Dowling has been become a surprise runner to replace an RTE star on a legendary show. The Virgin Media star revealed on Tuesday that he has Advertisement 2 Brian Dowling is quitting his 98FM radio show Credit: Brian McEvoy 2 RTE are currently looking for someone to replace Joe Duffy on Liveline However, the pair The Kildare native took to Instagram yesterday following the shock departure announcement to speak about how busy his life has been. Brian detailed his plans as he travelled into work on Wednesday morning. Advertisement read more on brian dowling The dad-of-two's eldest child Blake is currently gearing up for preschool and has been meeting her teacher and the other kids for a few hours a day to get used to the structure ahead of September. The 44-year-old said he hopes there will be "no tears" once she begins preschool for real. Brian also explained how he is solo hosting The Six O'Clock Show this week as Katja Mia is off to London for the Beyonce gig. After updating his fans on his chaotic week, the Kildare native added: "It's all go." Advertisement read more on the irish sun And Brian could be extra busy this summer as he became a surprise runner to replace Joe Duffy on Liveline this week. Brian Dowling gets bizarre facial The legendary radio star revealed this month that he's which he has helmed for over a quarter of a century. final show is just weeks away on June 27 and have said they will run a process over the coming months to appoint Joe's successor. Following Brian's departure announcement, he is now 6/1 to land in the iconic role, according to Ladbrokes. Advertisement Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes commented: 'Brian Dowling could be the ideal candidate to fill in for Joe Duffy when he leaves Liveline. 'IT'S TIME' "He has definitely got the personality and punters think he may have an outside chance of landing in the hottest seat in Irish radio right now." Brian had confirmed the end of his radio show with a statement on his Instagram on Tuesday afternoon. The dad-of-two wrote: "I made the decision earlier in the year that I would not be continuing co-hosting on Brian Dowling & Suzanne Kane on @98fmdublin making this Friday June 6, my very last show on Brian Dowling & Suzanne Kane." Advertisement And Suzanne, who's been off air for months, made sure to bid farewell to her fans with a departure announcement posted just minutes before Brian's. The mum-of-three wrote: "After nearly 5 years, I'm stepping away from my role presenting 10AM to 1PM on 98FM. "Anyone who knows me, will know how much I adore radio and the Bauer family inside Marconi house, but for now, it's time to let the 'Good Times' roll for someone else."
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Love/Hate duo reunite for 'darkly comedic' crime drama
Love/Hate creator Stuart Carolan is teaming up once again with Aidan Gillen for Tall Tales & Murder, a new six-part series commissioned by RTÉ and BBC Northern Ireland, in association with Screen Ireland. Described as a darkly comedic crime drama, the show also stars Ella Lily Hyland (Black Doves), Philippa Dunne (Derry Girls), and Packy Lee (Peaky Blinders). Filming has just begun in Dublin, with the series set to premiere in 2026. Carolan co-created the series with Emmy, BAFTA and Directors Guild of America winner Chris Addison (Veep, Breeders), who also directs alongside Neasa Hardiman. Based on Caimh McDonnell's bestselling Dublin Trilogy books, the show will be produced by Avalon (Catastrophe, Starstruck) in association with Metropolitan Pictures (Kin), and distributed internationally by Avalon. Speaking about the project, Carolan said: "I've been a fan of the brilliant Chris Addison since The Thick of It - it's been incredible fun working with him to bring this insane story to life." Addison added: "I'm frankly giddy with delight to team up with the twisted and highly original mind of Stuart Carolan. We've taken Caimh's wonderful novel as a jumping-off point and ended up with what I like to think of as a dark and delicious screwball drama." RTÉ's Head of Drama, David Crean, called the series part of "an unprecedented slate of original Irish drama" being produced by the broadcaster this year, while BBC Northern Ireland's Eddie Doyle praised it as "storytelling at its darkest, funniest and most surreal." The 12-episode series (2 x 6 parts) is executive produced by Addison, Carolan, and Avalon's Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett and Jon Thoday, with David McLoughlin and Catherine Tiernan for Metropolitan Pictures. Caroline Norris is series producer, and Gemma O'Shaughnessy produces.
RTÉ News
4 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Blood, sweat and milk: the changing world of GAA interviews on TV
The first broadcast of The Sunday Game on RTÉ in July 1979 paved the way for the proliferation of GAA interviews on TV. The timing and setting of an interview indicate an immediacy to the match. With this comes immense elation and adrenaline that can lead to an unpredictable series of events which is entertaining for viewers. When Offaly sensationally beat Galway in 1981 to win their first All-Ireland senior hurling title, RTÉ's GAA correspondent Mick Dunne was in the winning dressing room afterwards to capture the atmosphere. Priests and supporters surrounding bloodied players as they downed pints of milk in front of the camera is a sight that will likely never be recreated - and RTÉ cameras are unlikely to gain such access to dressing rooms again. Mick Dunne joins the victorious Offaly hurlers in the dressing room after the 1981 All Ireland hurling final But maybe it was a step too far to have cameras in the dressing rooms in the first place? The dressing room as a sacred space is often spoken of by players. It's a distinct, closed off, separate space where the team can gather and privately absorb their achievements before the crowds descend again. Interviews at half-time are difficult to construct as players and backroom teams are anxious to get to the dressing room for a rest and recharge, no matter how the scoreline is shaping up. Occasionally a coach or selector will do a hasty and general interview to camera, but this usually adds little insight once a good commentary team is on duty and has already outlined where things are going right or wrong on the pitch. Ger Loughnane's interview with Marty Morrissey at half-time of the 1995 All-Ireland senior hurling final is undoubtedly the most memorable GAA interview of its type. Loughnane's "we are going to do it" assurance is iconic in Clare hurling folklore. Had the team not won the title, the interview would be considered an embarrassing example of improper conduct by a manager in the cauldron of Croke Park. Now, it is completely unthinkable for a manager to give such an interview at half-time when the All-Ireland title is at stake. Post-match interviews are the most common TV interview and are usually taken right after the match, on the pitch or in the media zone. The basic idea of an interview is to elicit information. However, in the case of a post-match interview, this information is unlikely to reveal anything surprising or new about the match, as there has been little time for the interviewee to reflect on, rewatch or analyse the event in question. Consequently, post-match interviews are not the place to hold the player or manager accountable for their actions or critically evaluate their performance. Pitchside interviews are usually celebratory in nature and focus on the winning team. With the usual 'ah sure we're delighted with our team performance' being rehashed, it is often the fans in the background scrambling for an appearance on television that is more distracting and entertaining than the interview itself. Interviews with the losing side are often conducted not as immediately as the winning team's interviews and usually off the pitch in more colourless, neutral spaces. This change of tone and environment is most likely out of respect for emotions in the face of defeat. From RTÉ Sport, Armagh's Rian O'Neill gives his reaction after their win over Kerry in the 2024 All Ireland football semi-final Pundits and presenters in studio have an indirect experience of a match through detached observation, which is why sideline reporters are tasked to relay important information that is only available by being positioned close to the action. It also means that they are ready to approach players and managers for their post-match insights. A new style of interview has emerged on The Sunday Game in recent years which involves inviting a player straight from the pitch into the studio. What this type of interview hopes to achieve is an evaluation of the match by one of the active players and the type of insight that cannot be provided by anyone else. But what often happens is an awkward interaction, created by the visible contrast between the polished pundits lauding over the player who is still visibly marked by the previous physical activity. In a conversation so soon after the match, interviewers are unlikely to risk conflict or controversy and instead, strive to reach a consensual evaluation of the match with the player. Interviewers in this context will usually empathise with the interviewee either in their defeat or in their celebration. Any other type of approach would result in interviewees refusing to participate. Which begs the question, what are viewers to gain from these studio interactions except than to see how tired a player is after a match or how dirty their jersey is? Brian Hayes joined our panel after Cork's victory yesterday to look back on their scoring exploits and the prospect of taking on Limerick again. #SundayGame — The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 26, 2025 Digital media has enabled the emergence of new forms of sports journalism such as blogs, podcasts, and social media-based reporting. Streaming services and mobile devices have transformed the way fans consume sports media, allowing for on-demand and personalised viewing experiences. Interviews with supporters are another way of gaining a fresh insight into a game whether it be the anticipated beforehand or the dejection or delight after a match. However, these interviews are not taken seriously, and the main objective is to capture the atmosphere outside the grounds in the hope that a one liner or a vibrant outfit will create a viral moment online. Sports journalists are constantly striving to find new, innovative approaches to GAA interviews to remain relevant, profitable and engaging. To gain insight into the minds of players and managers past and present, indepth interviews about personal experiences have become more widespread. Focused RTÉ documentaries such as Jimmy's Winnin' Matches, Micko, Christy Ring: Man & Ball, The Game and the forthcoming Hell for Leather series on Gaelic football offer an opportunity to uncover unknown information that would never be revealed in other styles of interviews. From RTÉ, Micko documentry first aired in 2018 While watching matches is entertaining, sometimes the personalities participating in these events are themselves, almost as interesting. TG4's Laochra Gael is a popular example of how long form, indepth interviews backed up with archive footage is an appealing way of forging a new angle from often worn-out stories. The reality is that most GAA interviews on TV are repetitive and forgettable. Post-match interviews are a ritual exercise by the media in the hope that the interviewee will make a comment that can be used for headlines, clickbait and discussion. The lament of the loss of the unruliness and unpredictability of dressing room interviews will continue as viewers face more constructed approaches to interviews that are constrained by the boundaries of studio lighting and players that cannot give too much away unless they want to upset their team or supporters. The future of GAA TV interviews will continue to be shaped by the evolution of technology, the changing nature of match day regulations for the media and the ongoing battle for audience attention and engagement.
